With Wild Daddy’s job dragging us round the country we get to see lots of places we otherwise wouldn’t so our recent move to the North East meant only one thing, a chance to see Puffins!

What cool little bird dudes they are, one of the UK’s most exotic avians and such clumsy looking characters. I have longed to see them in the wild.

For our northern move we bought Caroline a Schleich Puffin for the 6-hour road trip then excitedly waited the five long months for puffin breeding season on the Farne Islands. We finally visited in mid-May when the islands were teeming with wildlife.

Island excursions

There are several different Farne Island trips including 1-hour landings on Inner Farne or Staple Island. I chose a 2.5 hour cruise with an hour on Inner Farne through Billy Shiels. Tickets are purchased at the harbourside kiosk and National Trust members are exempt from landing fees so remember your membership card.

Male Eider duck

Even before boarding Caroline spotted an Eider duck in the harbour, an auspicious start to our visit

Weather report

Although the Farne Islands are only a couple of miles offshore, a strong swell can prevent landing; due to unseasonable winds it was a week before we were able to book our trip – I rang daily to check sailing conditions with the boat company who keep a constant check on the forecast.

Spectacular wildlife

It was an incredible experience. I was blown away by the sheer number of birds and their proximity to the UK mainland and at how close you get to the creatures themselves. I’ve seen the Farnes on Countryfile and other TV documentaries but it is hard to describe the impact of seeing it all in person.

The beauty of the birds at close quarters and their fearlessness with humans on Inner Farne is enchanting. The way the different species share the same habitat, the way they cram into every possible nesting space no matter how precarious. The noise of the birds. The smell on the islands, the constant activity. I was in awe for the whole visit, definitely my most memorable wild adventure so far though not quite as emotional as whale watching.

Razorbills – wide bill with white stripe

Arctic Tern with sand eel

Shag – crest on head during breeding

Guillemots – long pointed bill

It’s safe to say that you won’t be disappointed whenever you visit the Farnes. Nature is at her magical best on these uninhabited, windswept islands.

We were a little too early in the season to see young puffins but will undoubtedly return next year at fledgling time and also to do the Longstone lighthouse cruise, where Grace Darling’s incredible wild adventure occurred.

It was fascinating to note the differences when taking the same cruise three-months later; tern nest sites gone and the whole island knee-deep in wildflowers and foliage, most puffins gone, much quieter. There were more seals on the second trip and the rare experience of dolphins playing around our boat on the outbound sailing.

Kittiwake and chick

Child friendly

Both cruises were very child friendly with interesting commentary from the captain, who turned the boat at relevant sites so everyone got the best view. My first trip was with 2 adults and 3 under-7’s; the second with 2 adults and 3 under-6 ‘s all of whom loved the experience.

For safety reasons children can not stand on seats during sailings.

There is an information centre and mini National Trust shop on Inner Farne as well as the Chapel of St Cuthbert to visit and whilst there are no toilets on the boat, there are some on the island.

Fascinating display of skulls and bones

Not afraid to nest near the path

Seabirds everywhere

The same spot in Augst – no seabirds

On the August cruise, the captain allowed children to pilot the boat en route home, possibly as we were the last cruise of the day – many smiling faces onboard that afternoon.

Tips for your visit

Time of year – Puffins breed on the Farne Islands annually from April to late July with peak breeding in May and June and babies to be seen from June to July

Be flexible – if boats can’t land be prepared to do a sea-only tour or postpone

Arrive early – parking can be busy in main season

Remember National Trust card for free landing

Dress appropriately – take waterproofs and warm layers in a small backpack. Even in summer the islands are windy and sea spray can be strong in a swell

Leave the dog at home – dogs may sail but not land and the captain won’t appreciate being moored with a howling hound while you’re ashore. Harbourside adverts offer pet sitters for the duration of most trips

Take a camera – don’t forget spare film/memory card, batteries. Binoculars are useful but not essential as you get so close to the birds anyway

Take snacks or a packed meal for longer cruises or if taking children

Wear a hat – the terns can be quite aggressive once their young hatch and will dive bomb perceived enemies with great abandon!

Look down – many eiders and terns nest very close to the path

Eider duck

Arctic Tern nest with egg

Black Headed Gull

Take lots of photos

Stop, look and listen – take the time to just be. Sit and listen, watch the movement, soak up the smells and sounds. You can’t capture the feeling on camera.

What is a puffin?

puf¦fin

[ˈpʌfɪn]

NOUN

an auk (seabird) of northern and Arctic waters which nests in holes, with a large head and a massive brightly coloured triangular bill.

Puffin Facts

Puffins spend most of their lives at sea, only coming to land to breed

My favourite fact ever; a baby Puffin is called a Puffling!

With a wing beat of 400 per minute they can fly up to 55 mph

They dig burrows making a small nest at the back lined with grass, seaweed and feathers

Puffins beaks are actually black, only turning colour during the short breeding season

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Published by Kids of the Wild

Lucy has a lifelong passion for nature & the transforming benefits of getting outside, especially since her daughter's cancer diagnosis in 2017. She loves walking, travelling & exploring with her family, dog & camper van. She helped rescue 28 swans & set up a Forest School in 2002 & cries every time she sees a whale in the wild! Lucy aims to inspire families to connect with nature & love the great outdoors
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I have just one word to say …. JEALOUS!! Actually I am so pleased you got to see puffins and so many other birds as well, what a great experience and I think these may be our first puffins on #AnimalTales!